The Iconic Moog Model 10 Modular
The Moog Model 10 is a meticulous re-creation of the first compact modular synthesizer system created by Dr. Robert Moog in 1971. Engineered for portability, the Model 10 is housed in a road-ready Tolex-clad wood cabinet hand-assembled with 11 discrete analog modules, including three 900-Series oscillators, venerated for their magical sonic depth; and a 907 Fixed Filter Bank, acclaimed for its massive sound-shaping and timbral potential. The predecessor of the Model 15, the Model 10 design is focused on purity of sound and ease of use, while delivering the immense sonic depth and dimensionality you expect only from vintage Moog modular synthesizers. Used Moog modulars in operating condition command a pretty penny — if you can find one. The Moog Model 10 reissue is your opportunity to own the genuine article, complete with modern reliability and a warranty. It’s a no-brainer.
Related Videos: Model 10 Modular Synthesizer
A meticulous, all-discrete, handwired re-creation
The Synthesizer Model 10 reissue is handcrafted from original 1971 factory specifications, using the same assembly methods in use at the Moog factory in 1971. Each system features 11 hand-stuffed, hand-soldered modules, including three 901-Series voltage-controlled audio Oscillators, two 911 Envelope Generators, the 902 voltage-controlled Amplifier, and of course the legendary 904A voltage-controlled lowpass Ladder Filter. All modules are tested, finished with an aluminum panel, and securely mounted in a rugged, Tolex-covered road case at Moog's Asheville, NC factory. It’s worth noting that the Moog System 55, System 35, and Model 15 reissues do not use the 901 oscillator; the Model 10 (along with and Modular IIIP) is your only way to access this historic sound.
The sonic magic of the 901 oscillator
Many synth lovers here at Sweetwater feel the Moog 901 is the best-sounding oscillator ever built. Back in the late ’60s, electric components weren't as accurate as they are today. Early oscillators demonstrated thermal instability and would infamously drift after heating up onstage or in the studio. As synthesizers became ubiquitous in professional settings, tuning stability became more important, so in 1972 Moog replaced the 901 oscillator with the 921. The new model featured improved temperature stability, tracking accuracy, and additional functionality such as the ability to synchronize with voltage-controlled pulse width. But the waveform imperfections and slow drift that “plagued” the earlier designs also added a raw, organic, “human” character to the sound.
The Moog modular story
During the 1960s, Dr. Robert A. Moog developed his modern synthesizer concept with input from over 100 electroacoustic music composers. Electronic music up to that point was being produced through a haphazard collection of techniques called the “classical studio,” which utilized sound generators such as surplus telecommunications gear, radio components, tape recorders, and the like. Moog and his musician collaborators worked to streamline the classical studio technique into an organized system of standardized sound modules.
The synthesizer concept takes shape
Bob Moog began taking orders for individual modules and customized modular systems in 1965, and by ’67, he and a small team of skilled technicians were handcrafting production models in a modest brick storefront in Trumansburg, NY. The “synthesizer” had evolved from a makeshift collection of spare parts into a real musical instrument — one that would be adopted by a generation of progressive rock and jazz keyboardists launching into a new world of musical expression. At the new factory, weeks of precision handcrafting went into each synth system, but it was worth it: the Moog team had created an entirely new musical instrument — one that would change the music landscape forever.
The road-ready modular takes flight
The first modular synthesizer systems were appropriately named Synthesizer I, II, and III. Then came the Moog Synthesizer IIIc; the “c” designating the walnut “console” cabinets it was housed in — the first time musicians could purchase a complete modular system pre-configured for access to a range of functionality one would expect to find in a large classical studio. The modern synthesizer had arrived. In 1970 the Synthesizer IIIp was offered in three Tolex-covered road cases. It was functionally identical to the IIIc, except built to weather the heavy touring schedules of the burgeoning legions of synth-wielding prog and fusion musicians. This emphasis on portability led to the development of the famous Minimoog Model D, which was released in 1971; and also that year, the first compact modular synthesizer, the Model 10.
Inimitable sonic character
Music lovers became aware of the synthesizer through the pioneering works of visionary musicians such as Wendy Carlos and Isao Tomita. Early Moog modulars were the magic behind Switched On Bach, Snowflakes Are Dancing, and other top-selling albums. Director Stanley Kubrick’s 1971 film A Clockwork Orange, scored by Carlos, heavily featured the Moog modular, which perfectly reinforced the near-future dystopia depicted on-screen. The inimitable sonic character of these original Moog modular systems remains highly sought after for their boundless configurability and vibrant, organic musicality. Bob Moog perhaps said it best:
“When you connect with an instrument, no matter of what sort, there is an interaction that’s outside of what’s actually going through your fingers. I hesitate to use the word ‘spiritual,’ but I’m absolutely sure that there is a consciousness that we connect with.” –Bob Moog
Moog Model 10 Reissue Modular Synthesizer Features:
- 1 x 901 Voltage Controlled Oscillator
- 1 x 901A Oscillator driver
- 2 x 901B Oscillators
- 1 x 902 Voltage Controlled Amplifier
- 1 x 903A Random Signal Generator
- 1 x 904A Voltage Controlled Low Pass Filter
- 1 x 907 Fixed Filter Bank
- 2 x 911 Envelope Generators
- 1 x CP11 Console Panel
- 1 x 130 Watt 120 VAC Power Supply
- 10 x 1-foot 1/4-inch TS cables
- 8 x 2-foot 1/4-inch TS cables
- 2 x 1-foot S-Trigger cables
- 1 x 1.5-foot S-Trigger cable
- 1 x Y-cable S-Trigger
- Included power cable and hardcover Owner’s Manual
